LalithA SahasranAma [844] chandahsArA

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chandahsArA : prototype of the metres.

 

Chandas, according to the Paingala Tantra means Vedas; or GAyatri etc.

The Visva says, "Chandas means meter; Veda, unrestrained conduct,

desire, " and "sAra means strength, marroa, fixity, rule , water,

wealth, superiority," Here Chandas, veda, ie the Upanisad portions,

sAra [fixity], her nature is establised in the Upanisads.

 

Or, Chandas is GAyatri and other meters, sAra, her form is fixed.

Among the metres GAyatri is the essential one, the PaNcadasi is its

essence. Thus it is said in the VarivasyA-rahasya [i. 2-4]:"For the

sake of attaining that [knowledge] fourteen methods are promulgated in

the world as means. Among these the Vedas are the essential, in them

the GAyatri, of this there are two forms, of these the first is the

one which is uttered by all, the other is completely concealed in the

four Vedas, even the Veda Purusa [Veda personified] speaks out that

vidyA by the use of symbolical words such as, "KAma, Yoni, KamalA,"

and not openly." The TripurA Up. [16] "KAma, Yoni, KamalA, VajrapAni,

GuhA, HasA, MAtraisvA, Abhra, Indra, again GuhA, SakalA with MAyA,

thus is the ancient vidyA, the universal mother of the world"

 

This indicates the KAdividyA [vide supra. I. 17. comm]. The Paingala

Tantra says, in two sUtras... the complete Sricakra [MahAprastAra] is

explained though there is an infinite number of words, they are all

included in this [MahAPrastAra], as it is shown in the work,

ChandobhAskara.

 

Chandas also means the science of meters, sAra, greatness, ie Devi [is

praised] by the vaikhari form of speech.

 

Or Chandas, unrestrained [mental]motion. The VijNAna-

bhairavabhattAraka says, "Whenever the mind finds pleasure thither it

is directed, this supreme bliss becomes manifest." So according to

this whatever gives the perfect devotee delight that is righteousness,

whatever displeases him is unrighteousness. It is said in the

SAkuntala [by KAlidAsa in the prologues], "In doubtful points the

opinion of the wise is the authority." The precepts of the Smrtis are

only binding up to the attainment of perfection [praudhollAsa], for

the Kalpa-sUtra [of ParasurAma] says, "Ethical precepts [are to be

observe] until perfection" The same thing is meant by the Kaula Up.

when it says, "Righteousness is unrighteousness, unrighteousness is

righeousness" The Yoginihrdaya also {III. 208] says, "Whether he

drinks or dances or vomits or eats or meditates on the supreme unity,

let him follow his own inclinations in peace" The desired objects of

those whose minds are absorbed in contemplation are necessarily

righeousness. Hence the Smrtis [Manu, II. 6] say, "Righteousness means

what is ordained in the Srutis and Smrtis, the custom of holy men as

well as that in which the mind delights. " - that is the mind devoted

to contemplation - otherwise license would be permitted; sAra, rule.

 

Chandas, desire, sAra, permanent form, because Devi is in the form of

iccAsakti.

 

 

 

 

BhAskararAya's Commentary

Translated into English by R. Ananthakrishna Sastry.